Scouting report: Geno Smith to lead West Virginia to first Big 12 win over Baylor

On the line: West Virginia’s Top 10 ranking and BCS bowl, perhaps even national title, chances

When Baylor has the ball: Baylor is one of seven teams in the country to currently average more than 300 yards passing and 200 yards rushing per game. The Bears will have their chances to put up big numbers again as they face a West Virginia defense that has allowed 55 points in two games against FBS foes this year — 34 against Marshall and 21 last weekend against Maryland. Nick Florence’s 334.7 passing yards per game this season is the fifth-most in the country.

When West Virginia has the ball: Geno Smith is one of the few quarterbacks in the country that has been more productive than Florence. His 191.2 quarterback rating is the second-best in the country, as is his 357.3 passing yards per game. Smith leads the nation with a 81.4 completion percentage and his 12 touchdown passes are tied for the FBS lead. Smith has yet to throw an interception but he has completed 34 passes to Tavon Austin and 28 others Stedman Bailey.

Prediction: This is sure to be another thrilling Big 12 shootout. Baylor and West Virginia have combined to score an average of nearly 100 points per game so far this season and are in the bottom half of the Big 12 terms in virtually every defensive category. Geno Smith and Nick Florence have been two of the most efficient passers this year and between Tevin Reese, Terrance Williams, Austin and Bailey, there are four of the nation’s best wideouts featured in this game as well. West Virginia gets enough stops to win.